With more families in need and pet shelters reporting record numbers of surrenders, a local effort in the Finger Lakes is stepping in with support. A dedicated **Pet Supply Drive** is helping families in **Seneca and Ontario Counties** by providing essential pet items — from food and leashes to blankets and waste bags. As inflation continues to strain household budgets, it’s often our four-legged family members who suffer most when tough choices have to be made.
Organizers saw the pressure firsthand: seniors on fixed incomes, single parents, and those recently unemployed were reaching out. The unique approach of this drive doesn’t just ease the burden — it ensures animals can remain with the families who love them. Local volunteers, nonprofits, and community donors have come together in this focused initiative to make a real difference. Here’s how it works and what pets in our region need the most this season.
Pet Supply Drive Overview
| Program | Seneca and Ontario County Pet Supply Drive |
| Coverage Area | Seneca and Ontario Counties, NY |
| Key Objective | Provide food and basic supplies to keep pets at home with their families |
| Organizers | Local shelters, volunteer groups, and community centers |
| Target Beneficiaries | Low-income families and individuals with pets |
| How to Access Supplies | Pickup events at food pantries and community centers weekly |
| Most Needed Items | Dry dog food, cat litter, flea/tick preventative, leashes, toys |
What’s fueling demand for pet supplies
Communities across the Finger Lakes are facing familiar challenges: housing instability, economic uncertainty, and limited access to resources. For pet owners, those stressors extend to ensuring their dogs and cats have reliable access to food and staples. Unfortunately, as costs for human food rise, so too do prices for kibble, litter, and veterinary items. Many local families who once managed easily now find themselves choosing between heat or pet food — a decision no one should have to make.
The **COVID-19 pandemic** also had lingering effects. While pet ownership rose during lockdown periods, so did long-term unemployment and underemployment. Now, with rising costs and limited affordable housing, many residents face difficult choices. That’s where this supply drive steps in. It plays a vital role in filling the gap for households affected by economic hardship, illness, or mobility issues.
Who qualifies and why it matters
This pet supply initiative doesn’t place heavy requirements on applicants. Typically, **self-identified need** is all that’s required, ensuring dignity and accessibility. If you’re accessing food assistance or SNAP for yourself, then you’re also prioritized for pet aid. For local volunteers, the biggest concern is supporting owners before they feel forced to surrender their pets to a shelter—a choice heartbreaking for both animals and owners.
It matters because shelters in nearby counties are currently overwhelmed. Keeping pets in their homes reduces strain on public systems, improves mental health outcomes for residents, and builds community resilience. As one volunteer put it:
We provide supplies not just to feed animals, but to keep families together.
— Jamie Blake, Community Outreach Volunteer
What pets need most right now
The most in-demand items reflect both basic care and safety concerns. With varying climates, especially in winter, local pets need durable gear and weather-appropriate supplies. Here are the most-needed items according to recent inventories:
- Dry dog food and dry cat food (especially grain-free or prescription types)
- Kitty litter — clumping, unscented, and multi-cat formulas
- Flea and tick preventatives — monthly treatments for dogs and cats
- Leashes and collars — all sizes, especially for large dogs
- Pet toys and chews to relieve boredom and stress
- Waste bags and litter scoopers
- Blankets and bedding — gently used items are accepted
All donated items undergo an intake process to ensure safety and condition. A rotating team of local vet techs checks packaging dates and advises on dietary restrictions before anything reaches a home in need.
Where and how to donate pet supplies
Multiple drop-off sites are now active throughout Seneca and Ontario Counties. These include **libraries, community centers, veterinary clinics**, and some town halls. Specific box locations are rotated monthly, with updated info posted at food distribution points. Volunteers recommend organizing community drives within workplaces or school groups to collect items in bulk — then dropping them off at the nearest intake center.
Those interested in donating monetarily can purchase items through local pet stores, many of which offer discounted prices for drive contributors. However, the greatest impact often comes from gently used, surplus, or pantry-overstocked goods from within the community itself.
We’ve seen families walk in with one bag of dog food and leave with tears in their eyes — it really does make a difference.
— Brian Colter, Animal Care Coordinator
Impact on shelters and community resources
Local shelters report a decrease in monthly surrender numbers thanks to the supply drive. In addition to keeping pets out of shelters, the effort has indirectly freed up space and staff time for emergency rescues and behavioral rehabilitation cases. A win-win for taxpayers, animals, and the county system.
The ripple benefits of these supplies are evident in education and public health, too. Fewer stray animals and less shelter overcrowding mean fewer diseases like kennel cough or parasites spreading. And animals staying home with their humans increases opportunities for youth and the elderly to maintain structured daily routines with their beloved pets.
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Low-income families with pets | Surrender-intake shelters (lower usage) |
| Pets now able to stay with families | Pet stores not offering discount support |
| Local volunteers and community organizers | Animals without local aid access |
How to get help if you need supplies
Families in need should visit their local food pantry or community aid center during weekly supply hours, typically advertised on printed flyers and community board messages. Supply handouts are open to pet owners who are experiencing hardship, without needing to show proof of income or vet records. Recipients fill out a basic form detailing the size and species of pets, then volunteers create a custom bag of items meant to last at least two weeks.
Some locations also partner with **low-cost vaccine clinics and microchipping services** — often available seasonally during mobile outreach visits. Keep an eye on local event listings for pop-up services in April through September.
Even a single can of food or chew toy can give someone hope. That’s what keeps us showing up week after week.
— Alex Marin, Volunteer Coordinator
Next steps: How you can get involved
Whether you’re a business owner, part of a civic group, or just want to help, there are several ways to support the Seneca and Ontario Counties pet supply drive:
- Start a neighborhood collection box
- Share updates on social media to raise awareness
- Donate directly via cash or gift cards at local community centers
- Volunteer for bag-packing or delivery runs
- Partner with pet stores or groceries to offer discounts or host drives
The need is ongoing, but the spirit of community support is strong. With your help, more pets will stay warm, fed, and loved right where they belong — at home.
Frequently asked questions
How can I find the nearest pet supply distribution center?
Check at your local food pantry, town hall, or community church bulletin boards for weekly schedules and locations in Seneca or Ontario Counties.
What type of pet supplies are most accepted?
Unopened dry pet food, cat litter, collars, leashes, bedding, and flea protectants are among the most useful. Gently used bowls and carriers are also accepted.
Can I get supplies even if I don’t qualify for other aid?
Yes. The drive is based on trust and community need. Anyone experiencing a hardship is eligible to receive supplies without extensive documentation.
Is there a seasonal need for certain products?
Yes, during winter months, there is higher demand for bedding, coats, and booties for dogs, as well as heating pads or insulated shelters for outdoor cats.
Can I donate expired food?
No. For safety and liability reasons, all food must be within its printed expiration date. Opened bags must be sealed well and unspoiled.
Are financial donations accepted?
Yes. Financial support allows organizers to bulk-buy high-need items such as prescription food or flea medications not often donated directly.
Do volunteers need training?
Basic orientation is provided. New volunteers are paired with seasoned team members and assigned specific duties like packing or inventory logging.
Can this be replicated in other counties?
Absolutely. The model is adaptable and scalable, and many nearby communities are already inquiring about similar programs for their counties.